Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Italian-American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. During this time, we celebrate the Italian-American culture, and spread the word about the traditions that come with it. Italian-Americans have made many contributions to the U.S., especially in art, humanities, and sciences. In 1880, Italians began migrating to the U.S. to flee rural poverty in Southern Italy and Sicily, and today, Americans of Italian descent are the nations fifth-largest ethnic group.

HISTORY

Italian-American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 when it was proclaimed by President and Congress of the U.S. to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. 

Celebrating Italian American heritage? Enjoy some of these favorite foods.

• National Pasta Day
• National Pasta Month
• Macaroni and Cheese Day
• National Spaghetti Day
• National Carbanara Day
• National Lasagna Day
• National Linguine Day
• National Noodle Day
• National Tortellini Day
• National Ravioli Day
• National Macaroni Day
• National Noodle Month
• National Lasagna Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• National Fettuccini Alfredo Day
• National Pizza Month
• Pizza …. Not Delivery It’s Mom’s
• National Cheese Pizza Day
• National Deep Dish Pizza Day
• National Pizza Day
• National Pizza Party Day
• National Detroit Style Pizza
• National Pepperoni Pizza Day
• Pizza with the works except Anchovies Day
• National Sausage Pizza Day
• National Italian Cheese Month
• National Mushroom Month
• Italian American Heritage Month

Explore More…

• Scottish-American Heritage
• Caribbean American Heritage
• Asain American and Pacific Islander Heritage
• National Portuguese Heritage Month
• Korean American Day
• Gathering of Nations
• Black History Month
• African World Heritage
• Juneteenth
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• German American Heritage
• Native American Heritage
• Irish American Heritage
• Italian-American Heritage
• Native American Heritage Day
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• Filipino American Heritage Month

HOW TO OBSERVE

Honor the 18 million Americans of Italian descent who have brought their vivacious, fun, and tasty culture to America. If you have Italian in you, make sure your family history, traditions, and values stay alive! Tell stories that have been passed down, show old pictures, and (our personal favorite) cook up a big traditional Italian meal!

Many Italian-American families have meaningful accounts of hardships, discovery and drive that brought them to where they are today. Take your children, grandchildren, friends, and other family members on a cultural journey. Believe it or not, it’s actually National Pasta Month and National Pizza Month as well… so if you’re looking for the right time in your life to start cutting out carbs, now’s not the time. Remember to take a few pictures of how you choose to celebrate this month, and post on social media with the hashtags listed above. We’re anxious to see how you bring forth a slice of Italy! 

Use #ItalianAmericanHeritageMonth, or #ItalianAmericanHeritage to post on social media.